All-terrain berm

ABSTRACT

A transportable all-terrain berm for collecting and retaining fluid. The berm includes flexible impervious sheeting generally formed of a coated fabric. The sheeting is shaped to include a floor area surrounded with opposed end and side wall sections forming a containment area. The end and side wall sections include adjacent their outer edges spaced retaining and support members. The berm includes a plurality of brace members arranged in vertical positions about the flooring and adjacent the end and side wall sections. Each brace member includes a hook adjacent its upper edge. Also, stabilizer members are engaged with the upper ends of adjacent braces and about the berm. The retaining members are engaged over the brace members and with the hooks while the support members are engaged with the stabilizer members holding the end and side wall sections in elevated positions forming the containment area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a large capacity transportable berm for use in emergency, temporary or military situations, which is adaptable for use on substantially all-terrain.

Numerous situations arise where transportable berms, containments or flexible bladders are both useful and necessary. A primary use of these is with military operations where fluid, whether it be drinking water, waste water or contaminating materials such as petroleum and other similar products which need to be contained for storage or later proper disposal. Disaster areas also require the use of containments for the temporary storage of the above referred to fluids. Finally, in areas of extremely fast growth, there sometimes is a need for a temporary containment.

The instant invention has for a primary object a transportable containment capable of retaining large volumes of fluid for later distribution or disposal.

Another object of the invention is a transportable berm which can be easily and quickly assembled or disassembled.

Another object of the invention is a transportable berm capable of retaining large volumes of fluid over an extended period of time.

Another object of the invention is a large capacity berm which is capable of being easily disassembled and folded or arranged in small units for storage and transport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a transportable all-terrain berm for collecting fluid. The berm is comprised of flexible impervious sheeting material configured to form a floor, which may be supported in a generally horizontal position, and opposed side and end wall sections which are connected along first edges with the floor and together along opposed ends. Retaining members are arranged to extend from second edges of the side and end wall sections at selected spaced positions. Also, support members are arranged to extend from the second side edges of the side and end wall sections at locations between the retaining members.

A plurality of braces, preferably A-frames, are positioned about the flooring. Each brace or A-frame comprises first and second legs pivotally engaged at their upper ends. A spacer member is provided for selectively positioning and maintaining the lower ends of the first and second legs in spaced positions. A hook member is located on an outer surface of one of the first and second legs adjacent the upper end.

With the braces arranged about the floor in vertical positions, the retaining members are engaged with the hook members to maintain at least spaced sections of the side and end wall sections in a generally vertical position against a leg of the brace member forming a containment area for the described berm.

The retaining members comprise loops formed of straps which are affixed with the side sections adjacent the side edges spaced from the floor. The loops engage over the upper ends of said brace members and with the hook members.

The support members comprise straps affixed adjacent the second side adjacent of the side and end members which are formed into loops, which are arranged between adjacent of the support members. Alternatively, the support members may comprise flexible sheeting extending from the second edge of the end and side members which are formed into an extended loop which extends between the retaining members.

A stabilizer, generally comprising a rod having down-turned ends, is engaged with upper ends of the braces interconnecting adjacent ones. The support members are engaged over the stabilizers.

The A-frames may be spaced at generally between 4 and 6 foot intervals, depending upon the weight of the product, along said side and end wall sections, and at about 2 foot intervals from the corners of the flooring.

The berm is a collapsible berm capable of being folded for storage and transport. The berm is also capable of being assembled to form a containment area for storing fluid. The containment area, which is formed of flexible impervious sheeting, includes a generally flat floor area surrounded by opposed generally vertical side and end wall members. A plurality of braces are arranged in vertical positions about the flooring in position to engage with the end and side wall members. There are retaining members and support members which are engaged with and extend outwardly of and about the end and side wall members.

Stabilizer members, which engage with and extend between adjacent of the braces, are adapted to engage with the support members to assist in maintaining the side and end wall members in generally vertical positions.

The braces are preferably formed of U-shaped metal beams pivotally joined adjacent one end. Side sections of the metal beams overlap and form the pivot with an enclosed open end. The opening is designed to receive the down-turned ends of the stabilizer members.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The construction designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be described, together with other features thereof.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the berm in assembled condition.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway side view of a corner section.

FIG. 2 a is a sectional top view of the corner structure of the flexible sheeting.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a pair of A-frames associated with a brace member.

FIG. 4 a is an exploded view of the retaining and support members engaged with the A-frame and brace member.

FIG. 4 b is an exploded view of another arrangement of the support and retaining members engaged with the A-frame and brace member.

FIG. 5 is a top diagrammatic view of the assembled berm.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now in more detail to the drawings, the invention will now be described in more detail.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a primary version of the all-terrain berm or ATB transportable containment berm of the invention is shown at 10. Berm 10 is formed of flexible impervious sheet material, usually a fabric coated with synthetic material. The berm comprises a containment area A which includes a floor 12, see FIG. 5, opposed end wall section 14 and opposed side wall sections 16, each engaged along their inner edge with an edge of flooring 12 and along opposed edges with each other forming containment area A. Retaining members 20 are secured adjacent outer edges 18 of side and end wall sections 14 and 16 in substantially equally spaced positions. Between retaining members 20 and along edges 18 there are provided support members 22, 23.

Both retaining members 20 and support members 22 may comprise straps secured adjacent their opposed ends with end and side wall sections 14 and 16 forming loops which extend beyond edges 18. The straps are generally woven and are of a heavier material than the flexible sheet material. Alternatively, the support members may comprise an extension of the flexible sheet material extending between adjacent retaining members 20 and formed into a loop as shown at 23. See FIGS. 4 a and 4 b.

The flexible sheeting material may comprise a fabric, woven, knitted or a non-woven which is coated with a synthetic material. The coating material must be resistant to degrading when contacted with petrochemicals or other contaminants which are desired to be retained. Polyurethane is generally a suitable coating. The flexible sheeting must be of sufficient strength to resist tearing under the pressure created by the contained fluid. The flexible sheeting must also resist undue wear due to the berm being set up and taken down repeatedly. Suitable fabrics are manufactured by several known manufacturers, two of which are the Seaman Corporation of Wooster, Ohio, and Cooley, Inc. of Pawtucket, R.I.

A plurality of braces 24 are provided to retain side and end wall sections 14, 16 in generally vertical positions. Each brace 24 preferably comprises an A-frame comprised of a pair of U-shaped metal beams 26 joined adjacent upper ends with a pin 28 forming a pivotal connection. Adjacent the lower ends of beams 26 there is provided a spacer 30 which, when engaged with spaced beams 26, maintains them in fixed position.

Beams 26, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, include spaced and parallel side edges 32 through which bores pass to receive pins 28 and 29 which secure the A-frame in position. Pin 29 may be used to also secure spacers 30 in positions parallel with beam 26 when the brace is in its collapsed position for storage or transport.

Adjacent lower end of beam 26 an additional bore 34 is provided to receive an anchor which acts to secure brace 24 in fixed position with the ground or its supporting surface. The anchor may comprise a peg or screw pin passed through bore 34 and into the ground or support surface. Alternatively the anchor may comprise a cord or chain secured at one end with beam 26 and at its other end with peg or screw 35, which is then embedded in the ground as shown in FIG. 1.

Adjacent the upper end of brace 24 is provided a hook 27 or other suitable retaining member. Also, adjacent the same upper end, overlapping parallel sides 32 of beams 26 form an enclosed opening 36.

Rods having down-turned opposed ends form stabilizers 38. Each stabilizer is preferably formed to be between 4 and 6 feet in length with the down-turned end being between 4 and 6 inches in length. The stabilizers, which are located at the corners of the containment, may be slightly shorter than the stabilizers extending along the end and side wall sections, i.e. about 3.5 feet depending on the placement of the braces 24.

The corner sections are slightly rounded and are shown in FIGS. 2 a, 2 b and 5. Each corner is formed by folding excess of the flexible sheet material, to overlap and then heat sealed along lines 40 as shown in FIG. 2 b. A support member 22 may be attached along this section to retain the corner in the vertical position as shown.

Additionally, secondary bracing in the form of two straps 64, attached at each corner, may be necessary when large volumes of fluid are contained. These straps are connected over the upper pivoted end of braces 24 which are adjacent the corners. The straps are drawn downwardly and away from containment 16, where they are secured with the ground or support surface by spikes 66.

It is noted that the corner forming arrangement of the flexible sheet material forms no part of the instant invention and any known corner forming arrangement is acceptable.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 5, a top view of the general arrangement of the berm of the invention is shown. Braces 24 are arranged in equally spaced positions, i.e. between about 4 to 6 feet apart, along both the side and end walls 14, 16. Braces 24 are positioned 2 feet from each corner section. Stabilizers 38 are engaged in openings 36 adjacent the top of the braces. Flexible sheeting with dimensions of about 24′×32′ is positioned within the arranged braces 24 with side and end walls 14, 16 in engagement with inner legs 26 of braces 24. Retaining members 20 are secured over the upper ends of the braces and in engagement with hook 27. Also, support members 22 or 23 are engaged over stabilizers 38. The retaining members and support members act to hold the end and side wall sections in a generally vertical position and in engagement with the inner leg of brace members 24. Stabilizers 38 further act to maintain the braces in vertical positions. Straps 64 secure with braces 24 adjacent each corner section to provide additional support for these areas.

In the described condition, the berm is arranged to receive fluid for storage. The berm also may act to retain fluid which is to be removed at desired times and in desired amounts.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims. 

1. A transportable all-terrain berm for collecting fluid comprising: a containment area formed of flexible impervious sheeting having a floor adapted to be supported in a generally horizontal position and opposed side and end wall sections connected along first edges with said floor and connected together along opposed end edges; retaining members extending from second edges of said side and end wall sections at selected spaced positions; support members extending from said second edges of said side and end wall sections at locations between said retaining members; a plurality of braces each having first and second legs pivotally engaged at upper ends and including a spacer member for selectively positioning and maintaining lower ends of said first and second legs in spaced positions; a hook member located on an outer surface of one of said first and second legs adjacent said upper end; wherein, said braces, when arranged in vertical positions about said floor, with said retaining members engaged with said hook members, at least spaced sections of said side and end wall sections are secured in generally vertical positions aligned with said braces forming said containment area.
 2. The transportable all-terrain berm of claim 1 wherein said retaining members comprise straps affixed with said sides adjacent said second edges and formed into loops, said loops engaging over said upper ends of said braces.
 3. The transportable all-terrain berm of claim 1 wherein said support members comprise at least one strap, affixed with at least one of said side and end sections adjacent said second edges, formed into a loop and arranged between adjacent said support members.
 4. The transportable all-terrain berm of claim 1 wherein said support members comprise flexible sheeting extending from said second edges formed into an extended loop of more than 1 foot in width and arranged between at least certain of said retaining members.
 5. The transportable all-terrain berm of claim 1 wherein certain of said support members are comprised of straps and certain of said support members are comprised of extended loops formed of flexible sheeting.
 6. The transportable all-terrain berm of claim 1 wherein each of said pivotally engaged upper ends of said braces comprise at least two U-shaped metal beams pivotally joined along parallel side extensions arranged in overlapping positions.
 7. The transportable all-terrain berm of claim 6 including an opening formed between said pivotally joined upper ends and a stabilizer engaged in said opening.
 8. The transportable all-terrain berm of claim 1 including a stabilizer, extending between adjacent braces and engaged with said upper ends, said stabilizer engaging with said support members for further maintaining said sections of said opposed side and end wall sections in said generally vertical positions.
 9. The transportable all-terrain berm of claim 8 wherein each said stabilizer comprise a rod having a body section with end sections extending generally perpendicular thereof, opposed of said end sections engaging with said upper ends of adjacent of said braces.
 10. The transportable all-terrain berm of claim 1 wherein said braces are spaced at between 2 and 6 foot intervals along said side and end wall sections.
 11. The transportable all-terrain berm of claim 1 wherein said braces comprise A-frames.
 12. The transportable all-terrain berm of claim 1 wherein said braces are spaced from corners of said berm by about 2 feet.
 13. A flexible berm capable of being collapsed and folded for storage and transport and of being assembled to form a containment area for storing fluid comprising: said containment area being formed of flexible impervious sheeting having a generally planar floor area surrounded by opposed generally vertical side and end wall members; a plurality of braces arranged in vertical positions about said flooring in position to engage with said end and side wall members; support members engaged with and extending outwardly of said end and side wall members; stabilizer members engaging with and extending between adjacent of said braces; wherein, said support members of said side and end wall members when engaged with said stabilizer members act to maintain said side and end wall members generally uniformly in said generally vertical positions.
 14. A containment berm capable of being collapsed and folded for storage and transport and of being assembled to form a containment area for storing fluid comprising: flexible impervious sheeting including a floor area engaged along its outer edges with first edges of opposed side and end wall sections; a plurality of braces arrangable in generally vertical positions about said flooring in position to engage with said side and end wall sections; a plurality of retaining members secured with said side and end wall sections positioned to extend beyond second edges thereof, wherein; said retaining members are engaged over upper ends of said braces to hold said side walls in engagement with said braces and in said generally vertical positions.
 15. The containment berm of claim 14 including stabilizer members engaging with said braces, said stabilizer members assisting to maintain said braces in said vertical position and evenly spaced.
 16. The containment berm of claim 15 wherein said berm includes a plurality of support members secured with said side and end wall members, said support members engaging with said stabilizer members between said braces.
 17. The containment berm of claim 15 wherein said braces include inner and outer legs, said inner legs acting to support said side and end wall members and said outer legs acting as a brace against outwardly directed pressure.
 18. The containment berm of claim 17 including an anchor engaged with a lower end of said outer leg, said anchor acting to maintain said lower leg in fixed position. 